Streaming Music Services: How Do They Compare?

Cloud music services store millions of songs on a network of secure servers, and let you access those songs using a variety of Internet-connected devices, such as home theater receivers, car stereos, and TVs. You can play your favorite tunes, and also discover new artists, songs, and genres. And it's all available instantly — without filling the memory of your computer, phone, or tablet. The chart below compares key features of a number of today's most popular cloud music services.

(UPDATE: Beats Music is a new streaming service that launched in January. Beats Electronics purchased MOG and used the service as a foundation to build Beats Music. MOG will shut down on April 15. While the MOG infrastructure is evident in Beats Music, there is a completely new user interface and process for curating music. We have added Beats Music to our streaming music list below.)

Beats Music

Listening options

On-demand

Playlists created by a staff of curators

Subscription options

Free: 7-Day trial

$9.99/month

$14.99/month "family plan" with AT&T wireless service; up to 5 accounts on one plan

Learns your musical tastes and makes suggestions based on your song selection and supplied information, including your mood and favorite artists/genres. Offline listening mode available for mobile. No ads, which also means no free listening option.

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